WHILE Zac Smith is desperate to take down Brisbane Lions ruck duo Matthew Leuenberger and Stefan Martin on Friday night, he also has one eye on a teammate with round one fast approaching.

Smth and Tom Nicholls have gone toe-to-toe for most of the pre-season, and the NAB Challenge match at Metricon Stadium looms as the final chance to impress coach Rodney Eade before playing Melbourne on April 4.

Both have made strong comebacks from long-term injuries – Smith an ankle and Nicholls a knee - and have been locked in an engrossing battle for the No. 1 mantle.

Smith was arguably the Suns' best player in their win over Geelong in Townsville, while neither impressed in the loss against GWS.

When asked how significant Friday night could be in terms of the battle for the top ruck job, Smith was emphatic.

"It's really important," Smith said.

"We've been fighting all pre-season, and it's been really healthy for us and the club and I've really enjoyed it, and it's going to continue Friday night."

He said the competition against Nicholls and rookie Keegan Brooksby at training had helped lift his game to another level.

"Any position on the field, if you've got people fighting for it, you're going to try and up your game to get that No. 1 position, and that's what we've all been trying to do," he said.

While the two ruckmen do battle against the highly-rated Lions duo, Gold Coast's midfield will still be short of its best.
After getting through a practice match against NEAFL team Southport last Saturday, Dion Prestia will make his first appearance of the NAB Challenge against the Lions.

However, captain Gary Ablett (shoulder) and midfield mate Jaeger O'Meara (knees) will remain on the sidelines.

Both trained strongly on Wednesday morning, with Ablett still wearing a fluoro orange cap to denote he is to not be tackled.

Smith said he was unsure about Ablett's status for round one, but said the slight injury disruptions would not be a hindrance.

"We've had guys in and out through the midfield a little bit, but we're a tight knit group. Dion will come back and do his usual thing, so I think it'll be fine," he said.

Zac Smith is a $366,000 ruckman in NAB AFL Fantasy this year. Set up a live draft and take on your mates in Fantasy Elite now